World's Ugliest Dog contest seeking unalluring canines for 2023 competition

Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The World's Ugliest Dog Contest, held annually in California, announced applications are now available for owners of aesthetically-challenged canines seeking to prove the unsightliness of their pooches.

The contest, held each June at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, said it is seeking dogs with "too little hair, too many wrinkles, an unusual nose or a funny waddle" to compete in this year's competition.

"While the World's Ugliest Dog contest is a celebration of the imperfections that make our dogs lovable, a good many of them are rescues from shelters and puppy mills, so we use the fun and notoriety of this competition to raise awareness for dog adoption," Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and Event Center CEO Tawny Tesconi said in a news release. "Dogs are like family and deserve loving homes no matter their physical distraction."

The annual event offers a top prize of $1,500 for the owner of the canine crowned the World's Ugliest Dog, with a $200 for second place and $150 for third place. The contest also includes a Spirit Award for the dog and owner with the most inspiring story and a People's Choice Award to be voted on by the public.

Applications are now available at the contest's website.